Ancient Observatory

The Ancient Observatory

The Ancient Observatory is a national AAA-level tourist attraction, a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, and a patriotic education base.

The Beijing Ancient Observatory is situated at the southwest corner of the Jianguomen Overpass and is one of the oldest observatories in the world, with a history of more than 500 years. It is famous for its well-organized structure, well-preserved instruments, and long history. It functioned as the royal observatory during the Ming and Qing dynasties and is now a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit. The observatory was first built during the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty (1442), underwent a major renovation during the Jiajing era, and remained largely unchanged afterward. After the Xinhai Revolution, it was converted into the Central Observatory.

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In 1933, it was renamed the National Astronomical Exhibition Hall. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, it came under the administration of the Beijing Planetarium with the approval of the State Council and opened to the public on May 1, 1956, as the "Beijing Ancient Astronomical Instruments Exhibition Hall." The observatory stands 14 meters tall, is approximately 24 meters long from east to west, and about 20 meters wide from north to south. Its interior has been hollowed out to serve as exhibition halls, divided into upper and lower levels. The Ziwei Hall and side rooms on the west side of the platform house the "Exhibition of Achievements in Ancient Chinese Astronomy." The platform displays exquisitely crafted astronomical instruments, including the equatorial armillary sphere, ecliptic armillary sphere, azimuth theodolite, quadrant, armillary sphere, and simplified armilla.

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During the Ming Dynasty, the Beijing Ancient Observatory was called the “Star-Gazing Platform,” featuring large astronomical instruments such as the simplified armilla, armillary sphere, and celestial globe on the platform, and gnomons and water clocks below. In the Qing Dynasty, it was renamed the “Observation Platform,” and after the Xinhai Revolution, it became the Central Astronomical Observatory. During the Kangxi and Qianlong eras of the Qing Dynasty, eight large bronze astronomical instruments were added to the observatory, all designed using European measurement systems and instrument structures. From the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty until 1929, the Beijing Ancient Observatory conducted continuous astronomical observations for 500 years, maintaining the longest record of uninterrupted observation among existing ancient observatories worldwide. Additionally, it is internationally renowned for its intact architecture and comprehensive set of instruments. The eight large bronze instruments made during the Qing Dynasty are massive in size, beautifully shaped, and exquisitely carved. Beyond their traditional Chinese design elements, their scales, verniers, and structures also reflect advancements in large astronomical instruments from post-Renaissance Europe, making them historical testimonies to East-West cultural exchange. These instruments are not only practical tools for astronomical observation but also unparalleled historical relics.

Address: No. 2, Dongbiaobei Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing (near Jianguomen Overpass)

Type: Historical Architecture & Monument

Recommended Visit Duration: About 1 hour

Phone: 010-65242202; 010-65128923

Opening Hours:

Tuesday–Sunday: 9:00–17:00 (last admission at 16:30), closed on Mondays.

Ticket Information:

Door Price: 20.0 RMB

Information Source: Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development

Further Reading:

· Second Batch of Municipal-Level Cultural Relics Protection Units in Beijing

· Second Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units